Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, has announced that the next round of the High School Tech Internship program is officially open for students and businesses to apply to participate. The program offers Ohio employers wage reimbursement for hosting high school interns in tech-related roles, helping businesses establish a recruitment pipeline while providing students with valuable work experience at an early age.

“Last year, we had nearly 1,000 high school students participate in this program, giving them a great opportunity to try out a career in their local communities,” said Lt. Governor Husted.

“It’s vital that students have work-based learning experiences prior to graduation, providing them with the real-world skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce.”

Interns will perform job duties similar to those of entry-level employees in technology roles, including artificial intelligence (AI), software development, data, and IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband/5G, and other tech-focused fields. Employers can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the wages paid to interns, with a cap of $5,000 per intern, to encourage businesses to hire high school students for these positions.

“In Ohio, we’re setting students and businesses up for success,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

“The High School Tech Internship program is part of Ohio’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, ensuring that students are applying their knowledge in practical, impactful ways and businesses have access to a strong talent pipeline.”

To participate, businesses, schools, and students interested in applying should contact the intermediary in their region. High School Tech Internship intermediaries ensure the program is administered seamlessly between the state and employers.

Selected High School Tech Internship Intermediaries include:

• Northwest and Western Ohio: Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE)
• Northeast Ohio: Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U)
• Central Ohio: Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
• Southwest Ohio: INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati
• Southeast Ohio: Building Bridges to Careers

“Authentic work-based learning is critical for students to build the skills needed to succeed. Every door we can open to meaningful workplace experiences means students will be poised to embark on additional avenues to contribute, innovate, and create throughout their careers,” said Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

“The High School Tech Internship program provides students with opportunities to sharpen their skills. I’m excited to see how this will elevate their professional portfolios and strengthen Ohio’s future workforce.”

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